While a handful of studies touch on the topic of hope and grandparent-grandchild (GPGC) relationship, none have made this subject the main object of inquiry. The purpose of this investigation was to explore how hope is reciprocated in extraordinary GP-GC relationships. Using a qualitative multiple case study design, three grandmother and adult granddaughter pairs were interviewed separately and were later observed engaging in a joint creative project. Nurturing, sharing and inspiring emerged as characteristics of grandmother-granddaughter relationships that were connected to hope. In addition, findings indicated that each member of the grandmother-granddaughter dyad helped the other envision a hopeful future. Grandmothers acted as hope models for their granddaughters. Reciprocally, granddaughters inspired their grandmothers to live longer by giving them hope for the future. While findings suggest that the GP-GC relationship holds potential for the intergenerational transfer of hope, future research is needed to further understand this process.

This qualitative study describes the meaning of the experience of loss for four child participants following the death of a grandparent. Using both descriptiveexploratory methodology and human becoming theory as the framework, the findings are presented in three themes. Related to meaning of the experience of loss, the theme in the children's language is, sadness deepens with awareness of the permanence of death. Related to how relationships unfold following the loss of a grandparent the theme is, time spent doing things and with others provides memories. The final theme is related to hopes and desires the children had following the death of their grandparent, that theme is wishes to undo the past mingle with ongoing relating with one who has died. Practice implications and directions for further research are discussed in light of study findings.

The growth of grandparent caregivers has significantly increased in recent years, and therefore, more research is needed in this area. This particular qualitative study explored the feelings and experiences of permanent grandparent caregivers between the ages of 58 and 71. Data was collected using a semi structured interview format from four separate couple grandparents and one single grandmother. Although the study was limited due to the small sample size, the findings showed that despite some rewards, grandparent caregivers experienced a number of emotional issues. In analyzing the written transcripts, several themes emerged, included: feelings of loss; anger and frustration, disappointment and guilt; fears and concerns; isolation and lack of supports and, positive aspects. There were also several variations on these themes. The need for grandparent caregivers to be able to access services, and especially support groups for themselves, was evident.

No description available.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--McMaster University, 2003. / Advisor: Carolyn J. Rosenthal. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 218-226). Also available via World Wide Web.

Thesis (M.S.) in Human Development--University of Maine, 2002. / Includes vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 65-73).

The purpose of this study was to compare the parenting style used by grandparents in the first-time parenting of their children with the parenting style used by grandparents in the second-time parenting of their grandchildren. In addition, a comparison was made between first-time parenting and second-time parenting and the parenting style experienced by these grandparents as children in their family of origin.The Grandparents Parenting Grandchildren Questionnaire (GPGQ) was distributed to 505 grandparents raising grandchildren between birth and 12 years old in HARP Grandparenting Support Groups in six states. One hundred fortyfour responses were analyzed at the .05 level of significance measuring the multivariate difference between four parenting styles (authoritarian, permissive, rejecting/neglecting, and authoritative). Ten grandparents were interviewed by telephone.Results1. The multivariate difference between the parenting style used by grandparents in the first-time parenting of their own children with second-time parenting of grandchildren was significant. In parenting their own children, grandparents were more authoritarian, more rejective, and less authoritative than they were in parenting their grandchildren.2. The multivariate difference between the parenting style used by grandparents in the first-time parenting as compared with their memories of the parenting style used in their family of origin was significant. In parenting their own children grandparents were found to be less authoritarian, more permissive, less rejective, and more authoritative than their parents were.3. The multivariate difference between the parenting style used by the grandparents in the second-time parenting of their grandchildren and the parenting style experienced as children in their family of origin was significant. When parenting their grandchildren grandparents were found to be less authoritarian, more permissive, less rejective and more authoritative than their parents were.4. Grandparents reported raising their grandchildren differently from their children (54.1%), the same (33.3%), and 12.5% did not answer the question.5. Grandparents from telephone interviews reported some differences in second-time parenting from the first-time parenting due to available resources, legal arrangements, family issues, understanding of discipline, and the role differences. / Department of Elementary Education

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Washington State University, May 2008. / Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (M.S.)--Montana State University--Bozeman, 2004. / Typescript. Chairperson, Graduate Committee: Bethany L. Letiecq. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 77-84).

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Texas at Austin, 2005. / Supervisor: Diana M. DiNitto. Vita. Includes bibliographical references.